"Continental Dividish" Expedition Build

[Blue Phoenix]

I made a post in the mud forum which you can get to in my signature, but I wanted a more broad spectrum of advice as far as all of the odds and ends go.

The two biggest dilemmas I am running into has to do with GPS/Map Software and roof racks that will accommodate an Eezi-Awn RTT 1200. I may go up to the 1400 for the RTT and I know there are several good racks out there. My preference lies with those racks that have rails, but that forces the RTT to mount on those rails in most I have researched.

African Outback makes a great one with removable rails, but I am not too keen on some of its attributes. Its light, which is good and durable from what I have heard.

INTI is the one I am really interested in, but I am not even sure how to source it, I need to ask Alvaro, and the price is up there. Not sure it will accommodate the RTT I want though.

Anyways, does anyone have pics of their setup and which combos you used?

 

[Pskhaat]

I investigated many roof racks in prep for my RTT, but end the end I found it much better to "fab" my own load bars as the weight is minimized and there was no point (for me) to incur the weight of a roof rack under the whole square area of the RTT.

Have you considered a short rack for the roof area where tent isn't?

 

[Blue Phoenix]

I have considered everything from load bars for the RTT and a short African Outback rack to full length and 3/4 length. I think I am left with no choice but to get (or make) a full length because of the necessity for up to 6 gas/water cans. This is why I was leaning towards the INTI rack because its so easy to compartmentalize everything.

 

[Pokey]

you may want to rethink the roofrack-100lbs + 6gas/water cans 200lbs+rtt 120lbs====thats 400+lbs on your roof and imho waaaaaaay too much.

If you have the ability to get the spare gas down in your spare tire area---that would be ideal for Center of Gravity and tippiness.

I also think that most RTT's will run fine with yakima-thule style load bars and save tons of weight over the roofrack.

 

[flyingwil]

The two biggest dilemmas I am running into has to do with GPS/Map Software ...

Check with 1LegLance from disabled explorer's. He is active on this board and mud as well. They recently did the continental divide, and he is a wealth of knowledge with GPS/map software.

... And roof racks that will accommodate an Eezi-Awn RTT 1200. I may go up to the 1400 for the RTT and I know there are several good racks out there. My preference lies with those racks that have rails, but that forces the RTT to mount on those rails in most I have researched.

ARB has the touring roof rack, which would give you a basket up front, you also would need the mounting kit (p/n: 3700050). Also BajaRack is in the process of making racks for the LandCruiser's. Its down the road a bit, but might be nice to see what they come up with. Again this style rack would be with out the rails like the ARB.

I would recommend not mounting to the rails, although it can be done, but off of the rails the weight of the RTT is more evenly distributed along the rack as opposed to on the rails. This also slightly lowers the tent as well.

We have had some customers that modify full racks with removable rails, so that when the tent is off they have a full rack and when their RTT is on they have a "touring" expedition rack. You also could go custom rack, with a local fabrication shop.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

Thanks guys.
I am not hugely fond of mounting the jerry cans on top because of the center-of-gravity-issue. Problem is, I am in love with the Slee tire carrier and I dont see that he makes a jerry can holder for it. I'll keep searching.

As far as mounting the tent, mounting it on rails is a no-go for me. I am with you Flyingwil in acknowledging it wouldnt spread the weight as it should.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

I also, just finished reading an article about 1LegLances FJC in Overland and it mentioned, as I have seen in other editorials, about his Continental Divide Trip. I think I will buy his booklet if he decides to make a run of it.
He and others here I knwo have a wealth of knowledge. That was why I joined onto this forum!

 

[Blue Phoenix]

Flyingwil....That ARB roof rack is awesome. I am assuming you are one of the only ones selling it as I have had a prblem even sourcing the regular except from their website. That is awesome!
When I have some time today I am going to research that more, although I am sure it is overbuilt like much of ARB equipment.

 

[Pskhaat]

...this style rack would be with out the rails like the ARB...would recommend not mounting to the rails, although it can be done, but off of the rails the weight of the RTT is more evenly distributed along the rack as opposed to on the rails.

So...I have an 80 and a RTT but have no idea what you're talking about "rails." You talking about the load distribution on the ARB feet?

 

[Blue Phoenix]

I think he was referring to a rack where I had no choice but to mount the tent on top of the rack rails, in the case of say a yakima rack. Flyingwil made this an easy decision though by giving me that link to the new ARB rack that is a hybrid and in my opinion the best of both worlds.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

Here is something else I am planning on doing, something I have been putting off because the thought of taking a sawsall to my hood makes me cringe, but if I am going to make this what I truly anticipate it being, I am not going to spare anything.......a reverse hood scoop with a JDM fan.

 

[Pskhaat]

Yes, I have a 2200 so it doesn't matter but I'd like to see roof racks that more easily allow for the RTT to be placed in FRONT to open over the hood with the storage area in the back.

 

[Pskhaat]

Hey Blue Phoenix, what is the purpose of the hood scoop? Are you trying to evacuate the air like the older 40/55/60/FJ80s did when off?

 

[Pokey]

Theres some fairly extensive threads detailing underhood temps-scoups-snorkels etc on IH8MUD.com. Probably much easier than chopping holes in the hood and fans.....would be installing some washers on the rear mounts of the hood. This ends up opening the rear lip and allowing hot air to evacuate-keeping the underhood temps at bay in normal driving conditions.

The only merit for an underhood fan would be if you plan on crawling (as in no air movement thru radiator) for extended periods of time.

But for a more expedition oriented vehicle that sees 15+mph---the washer spacing of the hood helps dramatically and is a great sub $2 mod.

 

[Pskhaat]

installing some washers on the rear mounts of the hood

The downside to this in the desert is that LCs are BRUTALLY hot vehicles requiring AC even at cool temps outside. The fresh air intake is between the hood and windshield. I would imagine that would lead to significantly higher cabin temps.